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Elevate Your Summer:
An Exclusive 2026 Retreat 
in the Heart of France

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HIT YOUR STRIDE, AGE WITH PURPOSE:
FITNESS & WELLNESS TO SUPERCHARGE
YOUR SECOND HALF

Bordeaux & Cognac Regions of France
Dates to be Announced

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JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE IN FRANCE

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SecondHalf Fitness invites you to a physically energizing and mentally stimulating adventure that will have you feeling recharged, empowered, nurtured and refocused.  Each moment of the retreat has been meticulously designed to immerse you in an experience that supercharges your desire to age successfully and enjoy your highest level of physical fitness and mental strength for many years to come.  From expert exercise instruction to dynamic wellness workshops, you will learn how to engage life from a new point of view with increased vitality and a sustained purpose.

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Beyond 50, successful aging requires a focused approach to daily living.
Get ready to engage your life from a new perspective! 

 

You will:

  • Discover the latest exercise methods for more energy and greater strength.

  • Remove obstacles to a longer, healthier life through safe, vigorous workouts

  • Initiate ways to align your fitness goals with your desired lifestyle.

  • Explore the concept of "youthfulness" and how it can be experienced lifelong.

  • Embrace the principles of an active lifestyle and how to stay committed.

  • Overcome obstacles and craft your roadmap to a dynamic, purposeful life.

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THE SETTING

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This idyllic French countryside offers the perfect backdrop to explore what it takes to physically and mentally supercharge the second half of your life. You will reside in an alluring and beautifully restored 16th century Cognac estate perched atop four private acres of rolling hills. Fields of sunflowers and grapevines surround the property making it a magnificently picturesque and tranquil setting. The nature of this property requires that we limit the number of participants in order to maintain its intimacy. Therefore, reservation availability is limited.

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THE EXPERIENCE

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Step away from the rigours of daily life and venture to the picturesque french countryside! For eight days and seven nights, you will be coached through a fun and challenging week of exercise, strength training, yoga, sports activities, meditation and wellness workshops. All fitness levels are welcomed, supported, and encouraged.

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You will be nourished with three delectable, plant-based, healthy meals each day. Our AMAZING chef Mhairi will prepare an inspired menu using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

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Your journey would not be complete without time for rest and relaxation.  You can enjoy daily personal leisure time to take a dip in the heated pool, enjoy a massage, lounge with a good book, take a stroll around the property's four acres of rolling and wooded hills and beyond, swim the local lake or grab an e-bike to explore the surrounding area.

"My second European retreat with Vann was spectacular. Vann created training activities for all fitness levels offering something for everyone-daily fitness training, weight training, swimming, biking, hiking, yoga, kayaking just to name a few of the purely physical activities. Beyond training, there were wonderful excursions to local towns, optional spa treatments and even a tour and tasting at a cognac winery.The accommodations were classic French countryside, casually elegant without being formal.  And the food was sensational! Every meal at the chateau was a feast, and every dinner a party.  I didn’t realize I was eating a plant based diet until it was pointed out.  Who knew healthy could be so gourmet?  I left the retreat feeling energized, inspired and armed with concrete, professional training practices along with cherished memories made with new friends. I cannot recommend this retreat any more highly…It’s as much a health retreat as it is a vacation. Do your body, mind and spirit a favor-GO! - Donna H, PA

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"As a carnivore, and one who is allergic to exercise, the SecondHalf Fitness retreat in France was a blast!  Who would believe that "rabbit food", as I call it, could result in the most tasty and artful vegetarian meals as presented on beautiful table settings at every meal.  And the giggles throughout the daily workouts made the fitness exercise program doable and the wonderful massages well earned.  Would do it all over again in a heartbeat!" - Barbara L, CA

YOUR HOST

Vann Duke

Master Fitness Trainer & Active Lifestyle Coach

 

Vann Duke, founder of SecondHalf Fitness, has enjoyed over 20 years in the fitness & wellness industry. He has trained some of Hollywood's top and up-and-coming actors. Vann is thrilled to welcome you to France, his second home, for an exciting fitness adventure of a lifetime!

VannDukeFitHS.jpeg

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THE DAILY ADVENTURE 

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7:00am     Sunrise Stretch & Meditation

 

8:30am     Breakfast

 

10:00am   AM Workout / Fitness Clinic

 

11:30am   Wellness Workshop

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12:30pm   Lunch      

 

1:00pm     Leisure Time

                  Spa Treatments 

 

5:00pm     Yoga

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7:00pm     Dinner

 

8:30pm     Evening Activity

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Excursions

* Cognac Region - Bike and/or Canoe Activity; Distillery Tour in Jarnac 

* Saint-Emilion - Guided Village & Winery Tour

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Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned marathoner, our retreat offers a tailored experience for every fitness level. Past participants have ranged from 50-80 years old, and we made it work seamlessly for everyone! Here's how:

  • Beginners: Don't worry, you're not signing up for boot camp! Our sessions are easily modifiable to meet you where you are.

  • Intermediate: Maybe you've jogged a few 5Ks or enjoy a good spin class. We'll challenge you, but we won't break you.

  • Advanced: For you fitness veterans, we offer options to push your limits while keeping things safe and sustainable.

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Do note that the venue does have staircases, so a basic level of mobility is required.

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PRICING & ACCOMMODATIONS 

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Investment: All inclusive, starting at TBD based upon double occupancy.  Limited single occupancy available for an additional cost.

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Current SecondHalf Fitness clients and their travel companions are extended a $500 reservation credit. 

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The Program includes:​

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  • All group transfers to and from Bordeaux and the retreat estate*

  • 7-nights of accommodations

  • Three expertly prepared meals daily. Snacks and beverages available throughout the day

  • Exclusive SecondHalf® Fitness Training Module & Wellness Workshops 

  • Daily group exercise sessions and fitness clinics

  • Daily yoga sessions with a certified instructor

  • Daily guided mindfulness meditation and morning stretch

  • Tour of the exquisite riverside in the picturesque Cognac region of France.

  • Guided e-biking and canoeing activities

  • Guided tour of an 18th century cognac estate including a cognac tasting experience

  • Excursion to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region

  • All transport to and from off-site organized activities throughout the week

  • E-bikes use daily for at your convenience 

  • Daily leisure time!

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* There will be a designated group pick up and drop off time in the city of Bordeaux.   

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Suplemental Services:

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Travel insurance is required.  Within 14 days of the balance payment you must present proof of travel insurance coverage.

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Not included:

  • Transportation (air, train, coach, etc…) from your point of origin to Bordeaux.​

  • Travel insurance

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​Should you need travel arrangement assistance for the retreat or if you wish to arrange for additional travel or excursions before or after the retreat we suggest contacting Matt McKinnis of Avoya Travel. ​

 

Deposit: $1,000 per person 

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Booking Terms:  The non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. Availability is limited and is accommodated on a first come, first served basis. The payment balance will be due by TBD. Reservations made within five months of the retreat will need to be paid in full at the time of booking.  In the event of cancellation, payments are non-refundable unless your space can be accommodated by another guest. 

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Room selection is on a first come, first reserved bases. To reserve your room, please make your selection below.

For all inquiries, please email retreats@secondhalffitness.com.  

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If you are traveling alone, we are happy to pair you with a roommate if you wish. 

 SELECT YOUR ROOM! (Click photo to enlarge.)

Le Manoir "La Française" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

Le Manoir "L'Emperor" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

Le Manoir "Le Duc" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

Le Manoir "Les Jumeaux" Room w/ Shared Bathroom*

Double Occupancy - (Bathroom shared w/ Le Paysage Room.)

La Ferme "La Vue" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

La Ferme "Le Rêve" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

Le Manoir "Le Jardin" Room En Suite

Double Occupancy

Le Manoir "Le Paysage" Room w/ Shared Bathroom*

Double Occupancy (Bathroom shared w/ Twin Room only.)

La Longere "L'Evasion" En Suite

Double Occupancy

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CONTACT

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For more information and to book your reservation please contact:

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Vann Duke

Retreats@secondhalffitness.com

(310) 242-3589

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Contact

Vann Duke, MS

Founder, Master Fitness Trainer, Active Lifestyle Coach

SecondHalf​​ Fitness

 

Tel: 310-242-3589

www.secondhalffitness.com

vann@secondhalffitness.com

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